Bill > A04230

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in New York State by 20% by 2050, with the goal of addressing climate change and reducing transportation-related emissions. The legislation creates a vehicle miles traveled assessment working group comprised of representatives from various state agencies and transportation advocacy organizations to study and recommend strategies for achieving VMT reduction. For highway projects at the state, county, town, and village levels, the bill requires a mandatory VMT impact assessment before any highway capacity expansion projects (such as new highway construction or road widening) can be approved. If a proposed project would increase vehicle miles traveled, it must be redesigned or offset with impact mitigation efforts, which can include expanding public transit, improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, implementing transportation demand management strategies, adjusting parking policies, and modifying land use to reduce driving. The bill also mandates the establishment of a technical advisory committee to provide expertise in calculating VMT and induced demand, and requires biennial reporting on highway projects and their VMT assessments. The working group must submit its initial findings and recommendations within 12 months of the bill's effective date, with the substantive provisions of the bill taking effect two years after becoming law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4230